Appreciations

Professor Sobitha Sanjaya Panditharatne passed away two years ago, on 02/09/2005. He was an anatomist par excellence and brilliant administrator. He was the Professor and Head of Anatomy (and later Emeritus Professor) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Apart from his contribution to undergraduate medical education, he was an external examiner for various postgraduate examinations. He was also the Registrar of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

Throughout his career, he utilized his exemplary administrative and organizational skills and his ability 'to see beyond the horizon', to continuously improve systems and processes in the field of medicine. His contributions to the development of the Anatomy Museum and streamlining of the Sri Lanka Medical Council are noteworthy. He was hard working, honest and dedicated to his profession.

He had a strong concept of right and wrong and always stood up for what he believed was right. Perhaps, he was the only Registrar of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, who was shot at, for acting to safeguard the standards of the Medical Profession, which he held very dear to his heart.

Even those gun shots couldn't deter his determination to stand up for what was just and right. The multitudes of people from all walks of life, who attended his funeral, spoke volumes about his honesty, integrity and dedication and his remarkable ability to make a difference to people's lives.

On a personal note, I have a deep gratitude for this great human being. When I fell in love with his daughter in my first year of medical school 17 years ago, my well meaning friends warned me 'Pandi will dissect you alive'. The risk of being a living cadaver, did not merely arise from the fact that I had fallen in love with his daughter, whom he very dearly loved. It was the height of the Eelam War (to be honest I have forgotten the number, I, II, III or IV), she was a Sinhala-Buddhist from Colombo and I was a Tamil-Christian from Jaffna. By any permutation, believe me, it was a very bad ethno-religious combination to have, in our sadly fragmented motherland. It was bound to stir nests, hornets or other's.

Although, he had told his daughter that if she really wanted to marry me after she qualified, he would not oppose her decision, I really dreaded my first ever meeting with him. As his PhD-thesis was on neuroanatomy, I consoled myself that I wouldn't be at risk of dissection, as he may not find anything interesting between my ears. Contrary to my fear, at our first meeting, he was very friendly, kind and had a good sense of humour and made me feel very much at ease. Over the years, he was like a father to me - always loving, thoughtful and supportive. I had never, ever felt 'different'.

To those who had the privilege to be taught by Professor Panditharatne, he was a brilliant academic and teacher. To me, he was a wonderful human being and true Buddhist, who showed fairness, compassion and kindness, when I needed it most. I am sure that, if we have more human beings like Prof. Panditharatne on both sides of the ethnic divide, we will be able to overcome prejudices and hatred that have very sadly afflicted our motherland.

Death may have physically conquered Professor Sobitha Sanjaya Panditharatne two years ago. However, he is ever living in the hearts and minds, of all those he has warmly touched, throughout his life. I count myself very privileged to have known a kind, honest, hardworking, warm hearted and thoughtful human being, who had given me immense happiness and taught me so much, in such a short time.

A man of courage he always stood up for what was right